Packaging feed and counting apparatus



J. w. BATCHIELFDER PACKAGING FEED AND COUNTING'APPARATUS March 4, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 20, 1953 INVENTOR. JAMES W 84761162 052 filia 33M226 I! 7 TOP/Va V March 4, 1958 J. w. BATCHELDER 2,825,191

PACKAGING FEED AND coummc APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 20, 1953 IN VEN TOR. JAME'S m BA TCl/ELDFR Y QM! 1394/2110 M81611 958 J. w. BATCHELDER 2,825,191

, PACKAGING FEED ANDCOUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 20,, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 N JR . INVENTOR. J4Ms m BATH/Q06? I &

.lln' ll 'illllu March 4,1958 J,W.BA TCHELDER 2,825,191

PACKAGING FEED AND COUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 20, 1953 GSheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

JAMES W. BA ramps/2 amen/5r March 1958 J. w. BATCHELDER 2,825,191

PACKAGING FEED AND COUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 20, 1953 e Sheets-Sheet 5 75 o /6.m 3/ F :1 v M35 j 78 w mac/ INVENTOR.

Jweis W. 5470/6405? March J. W. BATCHELDER PACKAGING FEED AND COUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 20, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 22 b 220 )6 IL d INVENTOR. JAMES PKBATCl/[LDFR MM! Eilu'a United States Patent PACKAGING FEED AND COUNTING APPARATUS .James W..Batchelder,.Ascutney, Vt.

Application July 20,1953, Serial N0.369,-161

J's-claims. ;('c1. 53--62 .Thepresent-invention relates to a package ,filling .apparatus or more particularly afO tanapparatus forcounting and filling screws, nuts, rivets and other items usually count packed into packages of a stated number of units. The .invention .will be described and discussed in terms of screws :to bepackaged in boxes, =although .the invention may readily be :adapted .for handling certain-other containers such .as cans, and objects to be packaged other than screws.

Apart frombulkpackaging of screws, orzenvelope packaging ofal-small :number of assembling screws .oftenenclosed with other goods, .the majority of screw packaging for distribution or retailsales involves packaging in boxes containing a stated count anywhere say from 25 to 1:000, often in gross or multiple gross quantities. Obtaining the desired count by exact .individual enumeration by packaging workers is :of course almost entirely uneconomic. Hence screws Fare usually weighed in batches or loads intended to have the requisite count. However, dueito the possible .errors'in-weighing andat times weight variations .of the .individual units it :is generally necessary to s pply a eslightioverweight to insure .against t shortrcount in eachlot, which of course :may leadto complaints from the purchasers. Such procedure, of i course, requires =the manufacture :of screws beyond the :total =numberrrequired by a purchaser-border, and to loss of .the.excess screws so-packaged. Further, there are the-even greater disadvantages inasmuch as the weighing procedure -is :itself quite time consuming and the :handling of the weighed lots attimes-diflicult.

'By the apparatus :of the present invention there-is provided uscrew feeding means adapted to "receive screws ,in bulk and fdeliver'them in 'controlledtflow-to a box filling station of the apparatus. .T here isalso .provided .a rotary type'table for conveyingernpty bOXdSrflORlafiIfl operators tabletoabox filling station and from lthefillingstat-ion to a dischargegpoint inanorderlytfashion. Thea-apparatus provides an electronic screw counting device including a-count totalizer-which. isfadapted to be setatansexact desired count for sending a "signal to a -flow xstopping device 'to shut-vofith'eflow at-the desired count. The tot-alizer-is also adapted-to beset at alcounbpcint approaching the'final.set'counttotsenda signaLto the-flow stopping device which causesthe latter to initiateza trickle flowrnearwthe endof each count .to facilitate obtaining the: exacti' final-fcount. A box .escapement mechanism1 is provided .onthefrotary table for delivering empty .boxes to the abox' fill-ing :station aud t-for expelling filled boxes therefrom whenthe final count to each is obtained. .The

apparatus-is substantially entirely automatic, requiring operator attention only for charging the screw tfeeding.

device with screws in bulk, .for supplying :therotary table with empty boxes .and .forremoval .l of .filled boxes discharged froml-the apparatus.

Hence, a principal object of the present inventioniis'to provide an apparatusin which .screws may (be delivered to packages inexactcount. Another principal object is the provision or an apparatus including means for conveying'boxes .toand orienting them .in a box .filling station to receive a counted amount of screws delivered .thereto and for removing filled boxes from the filling vstation toa discharge point;automatically. Other objectsrand advantages of the invention will appear from the following description .and the drawings, wherein Fig. l is aside elevation of the apparatus with certain I parts shownin fragmentary formvand-others .brokenaway for thesake of clarity;

.Fig. .2 is a plan view of the rotary ,table type box feeding machine, thescrewieeding machineand. flow control mechanism being removed for the sake of clarity;

Fig. .3 is a fragmentary section taken substantially along the staggered .line 33 in :Fig. v2 .through the supporting pivot post of the rotary table, with certain parts broken away;

Eig. Aisafragmentary view taken asindicatedlby the lines 4-41 in Big. 2 to show inside elevation certain elements-of albox .escapementmechanism associated with the rotary table, with .thescrew counting and flow control mechanisms omitted;

Fig. ,5 is afragmentary plan view of asinglerevolution clutch mechanism for the .box .escapement taken along the line .55 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a vertical partial section taken along vthe line 66 in Fig. 5.;

Fig. 7 is .a perspective view of the clutch key and clutch latch bar vshown separated from other clutch elements;

vFig. .8 is .atcontrnl circuit diagram; and

Fig. .9 is adetailed view of a flow control regulating mechanism.

The general organization .of-the apparatus of this ,invention may best be seen in Figs. 1 and 2.as comprising a. supporting base'onpedestallA; a rotaryltable type pack agingorbox feedingmechanismfB including abox escapement and .positioning mechanism CJfor locating boxes individually .and successivelybt a box filling station; an operatorstable D forreceiving empty boxes beingdoaded to theboxfeedingmechanismand filled boxes discharged therefrom; .andmechanism for delivering the screws to be packed at the filling station on the table in controlled, counted ,flow including a screw feeding machine F of the track .dischargetype and screw counting and flow con.- trol mechanism G.

Rotary table inner edge curb members 127, 28 terminating .at'recess 24:partiallylenc'lose the working surfaceof tableuD.

The ,rotary table .23, which in its ;counter.- clockwise rotation provides :an annular box conveying surface for transportingboxesi from-the table D to the :boxrpositioning mechanism C .and'back'to-the table D, has on its under sidea cylindrical hub structure 39 journalle'd about :a hollow table ,pivot post, 31 supported by the top plate 22 of the vpedestal, 'whileaa cylindrical flange SZYQOXICQIP' tric withzthe hub :forms :a :pulley ifOI'thfi driving tvrbelt 3'3. Suitable i-thrust bearing means, for :supporting the weight nfpthe'rotary table '23, is provided :by rflatrrings 314-and 35'securedrespectively by pins 36 :to the outwardly extendingrbottomflanged? ron thepivot postaudby pins 38 t0 theend of the table hub. Longitudinal.grooves;;39

: in 'the -pivot post extendingtdownto the bearing rings and,

"spanner, V

radial grooves 4% extending radially into the bearing face of the upper ring 35 may be provided for lubrication.

A flat circular pivot post cap plate 41, extending radially into the circular recess 42 about the hub opening of the rotary table, is secured to the upper end of the pivot post by bolts 43 threaded into the inwardly extending flange 44 thereof. For convenience in assembly and maintenance the cap plate 41 is split into two segments 41a, 41b. Within and adjacent the bottom end of the pivot post there is provided an integral inwardly extending plate 46, and likewise near the upper end, a lug 47 for supporting a clutch structure H hereinafter described for the operation of the box escapement mechanism. For access to the under side of the pivot post the pedestal top plate 22 is apertured at 48.

T o facilitate changing of the endless V-belt, the rotary table pivot post 31 is supported at opposite sides by a. pair of parallel spacer bars 51, 52 resting on pedestal top plate 22, which bars normally support the entire weight of the pivot post and other structures bearing thereon. Across the bottom of the pivot post there is provided on opposite sides corresponding foot formations 54, 55 laterally projecting beyond flange 37 to bear on the spacer bars and the pivot post 31 is normally secured to the upper member 22 of the pedestal by bolts or machine screws 57 passed through the projecting ends of these feet, the spacer bars and the top plate of the pedestal. However, at a position corresponding to the mid-length of each of these feet 54 and 55, flange 37 is provided with outwardly extending lugs 58 and 59 threaded to receive vertical socket head set screws 60 and 61 spaced from the feet. Thus upon removal of the securing screws 57, and turning say the set screw 60 down to bear upon the top plate'22 of the pedestal and so take up the weight of the pivot post, the spacer bar 51 may he slid out from beneath the pivot post. By similar manipulation the other spacer bar may be removed after replacement of the first.

Thus when change of the endless V-belt 33 is necessary, the belt may be passed under the set screw at one side of the pivot post, the set screw turned down to take up the weight of the pivot post and annexed structures, the spacer bar removed to permit advancing the belt into the space under and between the spacer bars. The spacer bar may then be replaced and the set screw released. The second spacer bar may be removed at the opposite side in a similar manner, the V-belt then advanced into the space between the second spacer bar and its set screw, so thatafter replacement of the second spacer bar and release of its set screw, the new belt is then located about the pivot post for final connection.

At one side of the apparatus on the lateral plate member 70 of the pedestal, there is mounted a box feeding mechanism power assembly I comprising an electric motor71 and speed reduction unit 72 adjustably mounted by means of a slide member 73 extending from the base of the power unit into a supporting slideway member 74 secured to the pedestal. On the vertically extending shaft of the reduction unit 72 there are keyed a chain sprocket 75 and a V-belt driving pulley 76 which drive respectively the rotary table 23 through -belt 33, and the escapement mechanism C through the spocket chain 77 on the sprocket wheel 78 ofthe clutch mechanism H. An idler sprocket wheel 79 is carried on an arm 80 pivotally pinned to the top plate 22 of the apparatus pedestal for adjustment in taking up slack in chain 77 after the tension of V-belt 33 is adjusted by setting the position of power assembly I relative to slideway member 74. An inverted U-shaped yoke member 82, the vertical legs 83 of which are fixed to and supported by the top plate 22 of the pedestal A, provides a horizontal beam 84 spanning the portion of the rotary table 23 let into the operators table ,D. With vertical post.85 secure-d to pivot cap plate 41b, beam 84 provides support for the base plate 86 mounting screw feeder F above the table,

and also serves to support box guiding vanes. One guide vane 90 extends from table D arcuately about one side of the rotary table 23 curving inwardly to the escapement mechanism C, being supported at one end by curb member 27 of the operators table, laterally by a curved plate 91 secured to and extending upwardly from the pedestal and at the inner end by the escapement structure C.

A second guide vane 92 extends around the edge of the rotary table 23 from the outer end of the escapement mechanism C back to the operators table, being supported at one end by structural members of the escapement, laterally by a plate 93 extending upward from the pedestal, and at the other end by the inner curb member 28 of the operators table. A pair of posts 95, 96 extending downwardly from the beam portion 84 of the yoke member 82 toward the table, support a horizontal slideway 97 wherein the vane member 98 is slidably adjustably secured by wing nut 99. The curved end portion of 98, being spaced from vane 90, provides a box entrance to the rotary table adapted to direct the boxes into proximity to vane 90. The ends of a straight guide member 100, which extends obliquely outwardly onto the operators table are secured to post and to the table plate 20, while a curved vane 101 extends outwardly between and is secured to the second vertical post 96 and guide to deflect to one side of table D boxes discharging from the rotary table in the channel formed by vane 102 secured to post 96 and the escape ment mechanism structure in spaced relation to the discharge guide vane 92 at the periphery of the table.

Box escapement The box escapement or positioning mechanism C may best be seen in Figs. 2 and 4, and in Fig. 3 for the clutch mechanism H thereof. A parallel pair of bars and 111, supported at inner ends by posts 112 and 113, secured to the pivot cap plates 41a and 41b, and at their outer ends by bracket posts 114 and .115 extending upwardly outside the periphery of the rotary table from the top plate 22 of the pedestal, form a bridge mounting other components above and at one side of the rotary table. Thus, ends of the spaced inner and outer box discharge guide vanes 102 and 92 are secured respectively to the post 117 depending from bar 11.1 and to the horizontal spacing strut 118 between bracket posts 114115, while plate 119 dependent from bar 110 provides an attachment for the radially outwardly bent inner end 9011 of the arcuate box guide vane 90. A micro-switch 121 bracketed to the outside face of plate 119 has its actuating button 121a bearing upon the upper arm 122a of a U-shaped switch trigger 122 pivotally secured along its yoke portion to plate 119 with its free end 123 projecting through an aperture in vane end 90a. Outwardly of the position of plate 119, a plate 124 secured atop and transversely to bars 110 and 111 provides a support projection at 124a for the slide block 125 of the screw flow control mechanism mounting hereinafter described.

A bracket post 128 depending downwardly from the bar 110, whereon its upper end is adjustably slideably mounted and set by wing out 129, carries a finger or guide strip 139 disposed generally parallel to the straight end portion 90b of the guide 90 to form a box orienting entrance of the escapement, while the free finger end 130a curves away from the guide 98 to funnel boxes carried by the rotary table into the escapement entrance. Opposite and at right angles to this entrance, at box stop 132, extending parallel to the end portion 90:: of guide vane 90, is adjustably mounted for movement toward and away from the esoapement entrance by a laterally extending bar or arm 133 slideably mounted in a horizontal slideway 134 carried on the post 136 dependent from bar 111. p

The box stop 132 and the portion 99a of vane 90 thus provide a radially directed patlt adjustable in width for the accommodation of var'ious size box runs 'along which "boxes may be moved, in a manner to be "explained, from the escapement entranceto a position-beyond the inwardly reflected-stop end 132a, whencethe boxes are carried onthe perimeter of the rotating table into the'boxdischarge channel leading back to the table D. The space between the vertical'faces of-90a and1'32 beyond the micro-switch trigger end 123 defines a box filling station beneath the screw feeder'machine discharge track, the downward projection 'ofwhich in Fig. 2 is partially outlined by dashed-clotted lines 138, with the projected position of a photoelectric counting cell 208 and light source 209 similarlyoutlined.

A box pusher arm 139 is slidably mounted on the top face of the pivot post capstructure' by a guide bridge 14% of inverted channel shape bolted to the plate 41a for longitudinal reciprocation radially of the rotating'table in pushing a box, carried by the rotary table through the escapement entrance ,to stop against 132, outwardly'into the'box filling station. The'arm isurged outwardly by the force of a compression spring 141 interposed between the block 142 depending from the'bottom of the pusher arm into the slot 143 in the plate 41a and the L-shaped bracket 144 depending into the end of the slot. A lever 145, pivotally supported at one end by a support arm 146 bolted to the plate 41a and carrying at its other end a roller 147 projecting into the pusher bar slot 148, carries near its mid point a cam following roller 149 bearing against the edge of a circular eccentric cam 150 secured to the upper end of the shaft 151 projecting upward through the plate 41a from the clutch mechanism H. Hence, .as. the eccentric cam in rotating through one revolution recedes from and advances toward the lever, thepusher bar slides outwardly under thejforce of the compression spring and is again cammed inwardly to retracted position.

On the working end of, pusher arm 139 there is afiixed a transverse vertical plate 152 for engaging a. substantial lateral box area. Preferably the box stop 1321s slotted or formed of co -planar metal strips, with a laterally projecting portion of the plate 152 slotted, allowing mutual interprojection thereof at right'angles .to prevent snagging of a box corner therebetween.

The general arrangement of the clutch mechanism H, a single revolution clutch, is seen in Fig. 3 and in the details thereof appearing in Figs. 5 and 6. The clutch shaft 151 is journalled by a sleeve bearing lfifitin-the cast lug 47 on the .pivot post wall and is vertically supported thereon by the collar 161 secured thereto within an aperturetin the plate 41a beneath cam 150, while the lower end of the shaft passes through and is pinnedto-a collar 163 journalled in bearing 164 in the supportplate 46 projecting inwardly from the ,lower end of thepivot post. The lowerend of the shaft 151, projecting. through the collar 163, carries the continuously driven counterclockwise rotating sprocket wheel 78 held thereonbyan end collar 165, the sprocket wheel hub face-xadjacent collar 163 being provided with aplurality of radial slots 166 for engagement by the end of a clutch key or pin 167, longitudinally slideable in a keyway slot 163 out inthe collar 163 to drive the shaft as hereinafter-described.

Between the reduced upper end 163a of collar-163 and the lug 47, a switch cam collar 169 with a flat 169a thereon is secured to the shaft by a set sceW. The leading edge 166a of each slot 166 in the hub of sprocket wheel 78 and corresponding edge 170 on the keyend as shown are beveled to insure clutch engagement-when the pin is free to move downwardly underthe biasof-compression spring 171 disposed in key bore 172 :andbearing against the'bottom of collar 169. At the-upper end of the keya laterally extending head l73 projects radially from the reduced collar portion 163a above the collar shoulder 163b, the under sideof the projectingkey head being beveled at 1173:; on the .edge'to'ward the direction ofrotation. 4A clutch actuatingarm l pivotal'ly mounted "at one end to==plate 46 by a pivot pin 176 is "shaped atits free end-to provide abevelede'dge- 115a and inwardfthereo'f' ashoulder b which respectively serve to lift'the key-out of'en'ga'ged position by'knifing' -inwardly under the beveled "edge 173rz-of the key head and to engage the head 173*to stop=the shaft after a single'turn.

'-A"solenoid 17-7 secured by a'bracket plate 178 to'.the clutch support plate "46, with its'arrnatu're connected to the clutch actuatingarm175=bya pivot'link' member 179, upon energizati'onwithdraws the clutch 'arm from beneath thekey to permit engagement of the clutch. The compression spring 180 interposed between the bracket 1 8 1 and the clutchactuating arm biases the 'arm toward clutch disengaging position, *sothatnpon de-energization of the'solenoi'd the actuating 'arm is moved into posi'tion inreadiness-to wedgeuncler'thehead 173 and :lift the'key from clutch engaged position as itcompletesa revolu ti'on. The *isolenoi'd "release micro-switch I82, mounted on the solenoid, with-a roller 18'310n 'its "actuating button bearing. upon thecam collar 169,.is actuated shortly a'fteri-the "clutch engages "by passage of the cam collar flat 169a 'to de-ie'nergize the solenoidand release clutch arm 175. To this"end,-the cam'fiat169a is angularly positioned relative 'to'the clutch pin in :a rotationally lagginggposition, sothatwhen the shaft comes to a stop with the clutch pin against shoulder'175b, the micro-switch roller "183 bears on a cylindrical portion of collari169 ahead of the flat. I

.Asmay'be seen from Fig. l, the screwfeedingtrnachine Ftis mounted a'b'ove'the rotary table upon aihorizontal plate 86. "This screw'feeding machine, shown injdrawings onlyin Jfragrnentary portion .since its specific structureiis per se no part of the present inventiommay' be. any machine having'a' hopper adapted to receive valargeblirk of the screwsandhavinga track type outlet whereinthe screws are alignedinsoldiere'd, oriented ,.fashionfor, individual successive discharge, and adapted for stoppage @of the screw discharge by merely blocking screws on the track without stopping the entire machine; The machine may be, 9 for example, such as that described in my =copending application SerialNo. 293,303, filed June 1'6, 1952, wherein an =inclined'vibratory track'appears'in various modifications adapted to handle diverse objects. Here in thedrawings the'screw feeder F-is-fragmentarily represented only'by the base portion and discharge track 138 comprisinga pairof spaced merribersbetween which screws are discharged in-soldiered manner with'the heads supported on the top edges of the track members and the'shanks suspended therebetween. Above the track 138 there is provided a holding bar 191 in *adjustably spaced relation to'the track forpreventing the screwsfrom riding over each other in their progress down the track. The-holding member as 'here appears "terminates a short distance abovethe end of the'track which is positioned directly above the box filling station, as indicated bythe dash-dot lines in Pig." 2.

Flow =contr0l mechanism The ,screwcounting and flow control mechanism ,for regulating the discharge of screws from the track -,includes a variable speed electric trackv motor 192, :a speed reduction unit.1 93 and an electric brake 194.forthe motor, :supportedhas a unit upon a common base 195. Adjacentand. above the end oftthecscrew feedingtrack 138, the output shaft 196 ofthespeed reducer carries-a rubbertired 1screw.,feed control wheel197 disposed with its plane .of rotation in the plane of motion of the screws downthe .feed :track. The base ,plate 1-95aof the :assembly is pivoteduat 495a toaa slide-member .198 adjustable Qinthe-slide t block 5125 :carried by the transverse bar ,124 01101118 escapement mechanism ,C, so that l the assembly ,rna-y -:be .atilted :about a 5horizontal pivot qax-is transverse to the -plane, oftthetrackttoiswingnthe control wheel 1 97- away form or against screws on the track. To normally urge the track motor assembly and control wheel toward the track, between a bracket plate 199 on the slide member198'and the bottom of the motor assembly base plate 195 a helical compression spring 200 is operatively disposed. Also carried by the bracket plate 199 is a solenoid 201 having its armature connected through the pivot link 202 to the outer end 203 of the track motor assembly base plate 195. Thus by the bias of the compression spring the track assembly is normally urged to bring the control wheel to bear upon the heads of the screws passing over the end of the feed track to initiate a controlled trickle fiow with the wheel slowly turning and to stop the screw flow when the control wheel is stationary, while the assembly may be drawn away from the feed track against the bias of the spring upon energization of the solenoid to permit free flow of screws.

For adjustment of position of the track control wheel 197 relative to the track for varying sizes of screws, the track motor assembly may be adjusted by moving the slide member 198 in the slide block 125, as, for example, by a wing nut 205 threaded into the slide block with axis parallel to the slide and having a head flange 206 engaged in a slot in the slide member. Beneath the control wheel 197 a photoelectric cell 208 and light source 209 directed to the cell are mounted on opposite sides of the track so that screws discharged therefrom and dropping into a box in the box filling station below will interrupt the light beam to produce a counting signal for a count totalizer. The cell and light source may be mounted on the end of the track, the base plate of the track motor assembly or upon the structural members of the box escapement feeding mechanism C, depending upon the design features used in these several structures. If desired a chute or funnel structure 211 may be mounted below the feed track to guide the screws or other counted objects into a container located at the filling station.

Control circuitry The driving unit I for continuously driving the rotary table and the clutch sprocket wheel 78 and the driving units 220 of the feeder machine F may be'switched on and off by a master control switch 221 inkthe lines 222, 223 or by individual switches 224, 225 in conventional manner at the beginning and end of a working period or screw packaging run, as shown in Fig. 8 representing a control system hereinafter described integrating the operation of the box escapement mechanism C and of the screw flow control assembly G whereby automatic opera tion is provided.

An electronic or electromechanical counting and totalizing unit 226 is provided into which are fed the signals generated by screws interrupting the light beam to the photocell 208 in dropping to a box in a filling station. Such totalizer is adapted to be set at a desired final screw count per count cycle (i. e. per box). to develop a first output impulse or signal at a point in the count 21 selected number previous to the final count and a second signal or impulse at the selected final count. The first impulse through one relay in the unitopens the normally closed relay switch contacts 228, and the second or final count impulse, through a second relay, simultaneously opens the normally closed relay switch con tacts 229 and closes the normally open relay switch contacts 230 for the'purposes hereinafter described. Upon attaining the desired final or lot count for which'the unit is preset, the totalizer automatically resets itself to zero for another lot ofrthe same count, that is the unit is "self-clearing.-- Since the totalizer 226 of the control system and its components may be of conventional de- Sign and are not per se in their particular structure part of the invention here claimed; no wiring diagram or detailed description is given for that unit, but only the op erating characteristics required therein.

Operation of the .escapement mechanism is controlled through a clutch solenoid relay having the switch contacts 231a thereof in serieswith clutch solenoid 177 across lines 222, 223, and second switch contacts 231b for self holding in series with the'normally open clutch microswitch 132 and the relay coil 23lc across the lines 222, 223. A normally open starting switch 233, as a push-button switch, and the normally open relay switch contacts 231 are connected in parallel between line 222 and a 'nt bet. on coil 231c and holding contacts 23111. e, if 1 ti-switch 182 is of the normally open type and held closed by the cylindrical surface of cam collar 169, upon momentary closing of the starting switch 233, the relay coil 2310 is energized to close the relay holding h 23:11? and the solenoid switch 231a. Thus solenoid ene *izcd to permit engagement of the clutch H. The transit of the cam fiat 169a past the switch roller 183, after the shaft starts to rotate, briefly opens and then closes the micro-switch 182., thereby deenergizing the re lay coil 1231c to cause opening of the solenoid switch 231a and the self-holding switch 231b, tie-energizing the clutch solenoid 177 to release clutch arm 175. Hence upon completion of a single turn of the shaft 151, the clutch arm clisengages the clutch. Such clutch cycle causes a single turn of cam 159 and a single stroke or reciprocation of pusher arm 139, thereby feeding a box into the filling station.

When switch 236 is closed by the final count impulse produced by totalizing unit 226 after the desired number of objects has passed into a box in the filling station, the same cycle of clutch control operations is repeated to actuate the escapement mechanism, automatically feeding an empty box into position at the filling station while expelling the previously filled box therefrom.

Controls for the motor 192, electric brake 1% and solenoid 261 include means energizing solenoid 261 on receipt of a signal from micro-switch 121 when actuated by complete passage of a box by its trigger arm 122, there-- by to draw the screw flow control wheel 197 away from the tracks and to permit rapid screw flow; to simultaneously release the motor brake 194 and start the motor 3. 2 before the wheel comes into track engagement; to cut off current flow to solenoid 201 on receipt of the aforementioned first impulse from the totalizer, so that under bias of spring 2% the slowly turning control wheel 197 is swung into contact with screw heads on the track to apply a restraining force hindering free flow thereby to initiate trickle flow beneath the wheel; and to cut otf power to motor 192 and actuate motor brake 194 upon r ceipt of the said second totalizer output signal to stop the wheel rotation and hence the trickle flow at exact tinal count. Preferably there is provided a motor speed control means, such as the variable auto-transformer 235 whereby the speed of rotation of wheel 197 may be preset in accordance with a particular size of screw being fed, or for the time required for operations of the apparatus.

As here shown the electrically controlled braxe 19- 9 and motor 192 are effectively in parallel with each other for operation as a unit, so that as current is supplied to start the motor, the brake is electrically-solenoidallydisengaged, the brake being spring engaged when current to the motor, and therefore to the brake solenoid, is cut off.

In series across the lines 222, 223 with the brake motor combination there is the normally open relay contact switch 237a closed by motor relay coil .Sfc, the motor relay including the relay self-holding switch 2375 in series with the relay coil and with the normally closed switch 229, across lines 222;, 223. Another normally open relay switch 239asimultaneously closed with switch 239]) by energization of relay coil 239a as will be explaincd-is connected from coil 2337c to line 222, that is in parallel with the series switches 22) and 2237b. Hence upon momentary closing of 239a, coil 2370 is energized to close "relay holding switch 237b keeping "the rela'y energized and 'closing 237a 'to' start'motor f192"and*release brake 194. The opening of re1ay'switch"229, occurring :simultaneouslywithtthe closing of switch 230 to :actuate "the escapement upon final count "signal 'as above explained, de-energizes coil 2370 to release .and open relay holding switch 23712 and motor control switch 237a, ithereby cutting ofi current -'to the .motor 192 and'brake 19410 stop wheel 197.

.The'solenoid 2.01, for drawing the control wheel unit -away .fro-m'the teed track, is connected in series with the normally open relay operated switch 240a across the 'lines2-22,'223, while the relay cdilliflctherefor is connectedacross the lines 222, 223 in series with the relay holding sw'itch240b (closed by'the coilwith main switch 1240a) and the normally closed relay switch 223. The relayswitc'h239b is connected .in par allel with the series switches .'228 and 24% from the coil 2400 to line 222 "sothat'upon closing of'23'9b along with 239a by ener- ,gization of coil 239c, the relay coil 2492 is energized ;t o close240a and 24%, thereby'keeping solenoid 201 energizedandthe control wheel 1'97 .drawn awayVfrom the track to allow "free flow, until .228 is opened .upon thefirs't output "signal from the tot-alizer. With 228 opened 240wopens to de-energize the solenoid 2.01, perniittingthe wheel 19'], .now rotating, by the bias ofthe spring 200 to swing into engagement with objects on the track to initiate trickle flow.

The micro-switch 121 which serves as a box actuated trigger to start free flow of screws .from the track to the filling station is a singlepole double throw switch, the arm of which is connected through capacitor 242,.relay coili239c and selenium rectifier 243 to line.223.

A capacitor 244 and resistor 245 in parallel are connected'lrom a pointbetween coil 239s and rectifier 24 3 .to .222, for ripple smoothing of the half-wave power rectifier circuit. One point .246 of .switch .121 is .connected byresistor 247 to capacitor 242, so that "as a box first engages switch 121, the switch arm is thrown to contact 246 to discharge 242. When the box has passed the.switch,,and therefore is positioned in the filling sta- .tion, the switch arm returns to normal contact with switch point 248 connected to line 222. Thereupon current flows through relay .coil 23% until capacitor 242 is charged, the time being determined by the chosen values of the circuit elements involved. The current "through coil 2390 closes simultaneously. the relay switches 239a and239b, which of course open with the diminishing charging current. As. previously explained, closing of 23% .causes solenoid 201 to withdraw the control Wheel 197 'from the engaged position where itwithholds flow on the feeder track, and .the closing of 239a causes releaseoflbrake 194 and starting of. motor 192.

Control functions .Jnssummar-y,-.at the start of -.a boxfillingqrun with the lturntazblesmotor 71 and hopperjfeeder motors .222 run- ..ning,tclosing =starting switch 233 momentarily aactuates the single (cycle clutch mechanism to position a box at the filling station. The box, in tripping 'micro switch 121,-.oauses-closing'of'relayswitches 23% and 239a to .tilt 1hC.COHtIO1 wheel '197 from the .track to start free counted tflow of--screws, andto start the rotation of'con- 101 ..1-97. .-At the chosen number before desired final count, thetotalizer first output or warning signal causes relay-switch 228 to openthereby effecting release: of 'the rotating control wheel to trickle'flow position. At fin-al count, the second'output signal :of the *totalizeropens relay switch 229' thereby .cutting :oif motor 192 :and engagingtbrake :194 .to stop ,fiowatexact :count; and also -C1OSS".SWitCh -2-30'-to initiate: the escapementssingle clutch mechanism afor repetition of .the cycle.

As long asaboxeszaretpresentsonrthe:rotating tablethe abovedescribed-composite cycle" of operations continues until'the last box -is filled. -Whenthe second output signal ofithetotalizercorresponding to thefinal count for the last box 'actuates the clutch, a-single stroke of the pusherarm follows,'but'since no box is thereby impelled into the'filling station to trip the trigger arm 123 to actuate "switch 121,.sWitches 239a, b remain open, the controlwheel 1'97 remains braked and in engaged position, 'and no flow :of screws -ensues 'to cause photocell signals. "Hence no'further outputsignalsof the totalizer are developed to 'actuate either the flow control mechanism G or .the clutch 1mechanisr'n'H,,so that the opera- 'tion thereof is automatically'stopped. When a new supply of boxes is Jfedinto "the apparatus,'the starting switch 223 "in thecircu'it 'energizing'the solenoid 177 must be closed to's'tart 'the automatic feeding of the boxes. In the event that'the'suppily of screwsin thefeeder machine is exhausted, .since no photocell signals are 'fed .to the "totalizer, no output signals are developed, and the unfilled box remains 'injfilling position until the hopper "feederlis filled.

Oven-all operation "In setting up the apparatus for a run handling particular screw and box sizes, the guide finger 130 .is vset relative to vane portion 90b to provide an entrance opening to the box escapement mechanism of proper size, and-the boxstop 132 is adjusted relative to'90b so that the trigger'arm end 123 is tripped by passage of a. box into thefillingstation. The position of screw flow control mechanism G is adjusted by wing nut 205 on the slide block to bring the control wheel 197 into proper spacing 'fromtrack 1138 for the size of screw or other objectbeing packaged. The screw counting .totalizer is of course 'sfettor thedesired final count.

in operation 'of the apparatus, the hopper of feeder machine F- is bulk loadedwi'th screws as required, and the driving mechanism thereof is turned on along with the rotary table drivingunit J -for continuous operation during a-work period or =the duration of the packaging 'run with given screw or box .sizes. Then empty boxes, loaded uponthe' operatorstable open side up, are manually pushed indiscriminately as to orientation onto that portion ofthe rotary table projectingoutwardly intoJhe area of the table'D, whence they are carried by the rotating table'between the guide vanes 99+98, coming to bear against the inwardly .curving guide vane 90 so that with continued advancing motion the boxes are directed by -thevane :90 toward the entrance of the .escapement mechanism,.into which the first of the boxes, of course, passes to stop against the box-stop 132. The tendency "of the remaining boxes is therefore to line up in serial position behindthis first box. 'The previously mentioned starting switch 223 is closed 'to initiate the operation of the escapement mechanism C and the counted screw flow control mechanism G with their automatic controlsf-for .carryingout the previously describedoperational cycles inrepeatedmanner. As the filled boxes are successively expelled from the filling station.onto.the outerportion of the rotating table, they are carriedbackland directed onto the operators table D' by guide vanes .92, 12and 100. Thus the only attention required of the operator when the apparatus is functioning is tofsupply empty boxes to the rotating table, remove thejfille'd boxes from table D, and where the run of screws exceeds tthefhopper capacity of feeder machine F, to b'ulk'loa'd screws as required.

The advantages of lthe'invention as above described and as shown in the drawings are of course susceptible .to use in various ways. Thus theapparatus as a whole may be used with means for delivery of empty boxes to"the entrance of the turntable and removal of filled box from "the discharge outlet such as gravity feed chutes, moving belts .or' other conveyor means. Counting. elements otherthan photocells and .rneans for applying a force-toobjectspn the-track'to' initiate trickle flow and '11 to stop flow other than the control wheel, such as electromagnetic elements or transducers may be utilized.

Further, the trickle flow control may be applied for some terminal control operations at final count other than complete stoppage of flow on a feed track at exact count with ensuing change of boxes or other container at the filling station. Thus where it is desired to direct counted lots of objects from a feed track alternately along two paths, as by use of a switching gate, the use of the trickle flow, initiated by a warning count signal previous to exact final count of a given lot, provides an interval between the discharge of the last object of one counted lot, and the first of the next lot, during which the terminal control operation of switching the gate for another feeder discharge path may be carried out, say in response to a final lot count signal. Such operation may be carried out if desired without completely stopping the control wheel 197 (where such is used), since the control wheel is effectively withholding from free flow the first object of a subsequent lot during the time the object is passing under the wheel. Operation of this character may be found advantageous for example, where the object feeder machine supplies objects to two filling stations alternately.

I claim:

1. In a machine adapted for rapid stream discharge of objects in successive exactly counted lots, including a track means determining a path for serial discharge of the said objects: the combination with said track and means inducing rapid flow movement of objects along said track, of means for breaking up the discharge flow into successive counted lots, the last said means comprising flow regulating means mounted adjacent said track for applying force to objects thereon to reduce the rate of travel and to stop such flow; and control means for said flow regulating means including counting and totalizing means having an element thereof disposed downstream of said regulating means adjacent said path and responsive to passage of an object therealong, said counting and totalizing means being adapted at a count a predetermined number before final lot count to operate said regulating means to reduce the flow and at a pre determined final lot count to operate said regulating means to interrupt and stop said flow, and externally operated means for causing said flow regulating means to release objects on the track for free flow.

2. In a machine adapted for rapid stream discharge of objects in successive exactly counted lots, including a track means determining a path for serial discharge of the said objects: the combination with said track and means inducing rapid flow movement of objects along said track, of means for breaking up the discharge flow into successive counted lots, the last said means comprising flow regulating means mounted adjacent said track for applying force to objects thereon to reduce the rate to a trickle flow and to stop such flow; and control means for said flow regulating means including electric counting and totalizing means having a photoelectric cell and light source disposed downstream of said regulating means on opposite sides of said path, said counting and totalizing means being adapted at a count a predetermined number before final lot count to operate said regulating means to induce the said trickle flow and at a predetermined final lot count to operate said regulating means to stop said trickle fiow, said counting and totalizing means being self clearing on attaining the predetermined final count, and externally triggered means for causing said flow regulating means to release objects on the track for free flow.

3. A machine adapted for rapid stream discharge of objects in exactly counted lots comprising track means determining a path for serial discharge of the said objects; means inducing rapid free flow movement of objects along the track; llow regulating means including a rotatable wheel mounted adjacent to and for movement toward "12 said track to engage objects thereon, the track direction being in the plane of rotation of said wheel, driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a peripheral rate lower than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track, brake means for said wheel, and wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and away from said track, whereby upon movement of the wheel toward said track into engagement with objects thereon with the wheel rotating the rate of flow is diminished to a trickle flow and upon braking of the wheel the flow is stop d control means for said fiow regulating means including counting and totalizing means having a counting element thereof disposed adjacent said path on the discharge side of said wheel, said element being responsive to passage of an object, said counting and totalizing means being self clearing upon attaining a predetermined final lot count, means for actuating said wheel shifting means and for starting the driving means to bring the wheel into engagement and rotation upon attaining a count a predetermined number before a desired final lot count to initiate said trickle flow, means for actuating said brake means and for stopping said driving means at the desired predetermined final lot count to stop said trickle fiow, and externally triggered means for actuating said wheel shifting means to move the wheel from engagement, thereby releasing the objects for free counted flow in a succeeding lot.

4. A feeding machine adapted for rapid stream discharge of objects in exactly counted lots comprising track means determining a path for serial discharge of the said objects; means inducing rapid free flow movement of objects along the track; flow regulating means including a rotatable wheel mounted adjacent to and for movement toward said track to engage objects thereon, the track direction being in the plane of rotation of said wheel, driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a periph eral rate lower than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track, electrically controlled brake means for said wheel and electrically controlled wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and away from said track, whereby upon movement of the wheel toward said track into engagement with objects thereon with the wheel rotating the free flow is diminished to a trickle flow and upon braking of the wheel the flow is stopped; and electric control means for said flow regulating means including counting and totalizing means having a photo-electric counting cell and light source on opposite sides of said path on the discharge side of said wheel, said counting and totalizing means being self-clearing upon attaining a predetermined final lot count and being adapted to produce an output signal for actuating said wheel shifting means and for starting the driving means to bring the wheel into engagement and rotation upon attaining account a predetermined number before a desired final lot count to initiate a slow trickle flowand being adapted to produce an output signal for actuating said brake means and for stopping said driving means at the desired predetermined final lot count to stop said trickle flow, and exteriorly triggered means for actuating said wheel shifting means to move the wheel from engagement thereby releasing the objects for free counted flow in a succeeding lot.

5. In a feeding machine adapted for rapid stream discharge of objects, while permitting a terminal control operation at an exactly counted quantity thereof, including track means determining a path for serial discharge of said objects and means inducing rapid free flow of objects along said track: the combination with said track means of discharge flow regulating means comprising a rotatable resiliently rimmed wheel mounted adjacent to an for movement toward said track to engage objects thereon, the track direction adjacent said wheel being in the plane of rotation thereof, driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a selected peripheral rate lower than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track,

' wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and dreamer away "from fsaiii track, and control means including "a eounting ancl' totalizing means traving a counting eiement thereof disposed adjacent said pathbnfiheiiishargeuiile of said wheel responsive to passage of an object, said 'control means beingadapted for actuatingsaid wheelshifting means and "for starting "the driving means "tobring the wheel into rotatingengagement 'withcobjects on the track upon attaining a count of a predetermined number before a'desired final-count to initiateuimi'nishedjfiowwith the interval "between "dis'chargecif successive objectsfdete'rmined by the time "of 'contacf'with each :object, whereby after discharge of the last object in the 1.desired icounte'd quantity aninterval is provided forexecution of'a desired terminal control operation before discharge of subsequent objects.

6. In a feeding machine adapted for rapid stream dis charge of objects, while permitting a terminal control operation at an exactly counted quantity thereof, including track means determining a path for serial discharge of said objects and means inducing rapid free flow of objects along said track: the combination with said track means of discharge flow regulating means comprising a rotatable re siliently rimmed wheel mounted adjacent to and for movement toward said track to engage objects thereon, the track direction adjacent said wheel being in the plane of rotation thereof, driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a selected peripheral rate lower than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track, wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and away from said track, and control means including a counting and totalizing means having a counting element thereof disposed adjacent said path on the discharge side of said wheel responsive to passage of an object, said control means being adapted at a predetermined final count to initiate said terminal control operation and being adapted for actuating said wheel shifting means and for starting the driving means to bring the wheel into rotating engagement with objects on the track upon attaining a count of a predetermined number before a desired final count to initiate diminished flow with the interval between discharge of successive objects determined by the time of contact with each object, whereby after discharge of the last object in the desired counted quantity an interval is provided for execution of the desired terminal control operation before discharge of subsequent objects.

7. A machine adapted to rapid stream discharge of objects in exactly counted lots, comprising track means determining a path for serial discharge of the said objects; means inducing rapid free flow movement of objects along the track; flow regulating means including a rotatable wheel and a pivoting base mounting said wheel adjacent to and for movement toward said track to engage objects thereon, said wheel and base being normally biased toward the track, the track direction being in the plane of rotation of said wheel, driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a peripheral rate lower than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track, electrically operated brake means for stopping and releasing said wheel, and wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and away from said track including solenoid means moving the base and wheel in the direction away from the track, whereby upon movement of the wheel toward said track into engagement with objects thereon with the wheel rotating the rate of flow is diminished and upon braking of the wheel the flow is stopped; and electric control means for said flow regulating means including counting and totalizing means having an electrically responsive counting element thereof disposed adjacent said path on the discharge side of said wheel, said counting and totalizing means being self-clearing after attaining a predetermined final lot count, said control means being adapted for actuating said wheel shifting means and for starting the driving means to bring the Wheel into engagement and rotation upon attaining a count of a predetermined number before a desired final lot count to initiate a slow triile *tlow "and adapted tor 'actuat in'g'saitF'bra'ke means fandtor 'stopping said- 'driving Hie 31131.31 "the desireti predetel-mined "final hit count to stop aittt'riektefflow, tandem ternal'ly tiiggered means foractuat'ing saidwhel :sh'ifting means to move ".the "wheel from "engagement thereby "releasing Sth e 'dbjects for free counted new" in "a "succeeding lot.

8. Tu a container "filling apparatus, the combination with a .meehanism Tor "receiving containers, conveying .them to and positioning them'fin acontainer 'fillinggstation ,provided'in the mechanism,:sai'd mechanism includingia'n escapem erit mechanism adapted .;in a container escape- ,mle'rit cycleuto pass 1a conta'inerlinto said. station'and'rtain the container therein until a succeeding container is positioned at the filling station by a following escapement cycle, of a feeding mechanism adapted to receive in bulk objects to be packaged and adapted for rapid stream discharge of objects to said filling station while permitting a terminal control operation at an exactly counted quantity thereof; the said feeding mechanism including track means determining a path for serial discharge of said objects to a container in said filling station, means inducing rapid free flow of objects along said track, and discharge flow regulating means; said flow regulating means comprising a rotatable resiliently rimmed wheel mounted adjacent to and for movement toward said track to engage objects thereon, the track direction adjacent said wheel being in the plane of rotation thereof, driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a selected peripheral rate lower than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track, wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and away from said'track, means for halting discharge of objects along said path, and control means including a counting and totalizing means having a counting element thereof disposed adjacet said path on the discharge side of said wheel to sponsive to passage of an object, said control means be ing adapted for actuating aid wheel shifting means and for starting the driving means to bring the wheel into rotating engagement with objects on the track upon attaining a count of a predetermined number before a predetermined final count to initiate diminished flow with the interval between discharge of successive objects determined by the time of contact with each object, said control means being adapted at the final count to actuate said means for halting object discharge, whereby after discharge of the last object in the desired counted quantity an interval is provided for operation of said container escapement mechanism to position an unfilled container in said filling station before discharge of subsequent objects.

9. An apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein said control means is adapted to initiate an escapement cycle of said escapement means when final count has been reached.

10. An apparatus as described in claim 8 wherein said container escapement means is provided with trigger means operatively connected to said control means and tripped by a container passed into said filling station, said control means being adapted upon tripping of said trigger to actuate said wheel shifting means for moving said wheel away from said track.

11. An apparatus as described in claim 9 wherein said means for halting objects from discharge comprises brake means adapted to stop rotation of said wheel upon discharge of the object completing the predetermined final count.

12. An apparatus as described in claim 8 wherein said container escapement means is provided with trigger means operatively connected to said control means tripped by a container passed into said filling station, said control means being adapted upon tripping of said trigger to actuate said wheel shifting means for moving said wheel away from said track and to start rotation of said wheel.

15 13. In a machine adapted for .rapid stream discharge of objects in exactly counted lots, a discharge control mechanisr'n comprising: track means determining a path for serial discharge of the said objects; means inducing rapid free flow movement of objects along the track; flow regulating means including a rotatable wheel mounted adjacent to and for movement toward said track to engage objects thereon, the track direction being in the plane of rotation of said wheel,,driving means whereby said wheel may be rotated at a peripheral rate lower 10 than the linear rate of free movement of objects on said track, brake means for said wheel, and wheel shifting means for moving said wheel toward and away from said track, whereby upon movement of the wheel toward "16 said track into engagement with objects thereon with the wheel rotating the rate of fiow is diminished to a tricklefiow and upon braking of the wheel the flow is stopped.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,415,201 Zademach et a1 Feb. 4, 1947 2,536,516 Peterson Jan. 2, 1951 2,622,724 $101113 Dec. 23, 1952 2,639,069 West May 19, 1953 2,661,881 Kasper Dec. 8, 1953 U S D-E9ARTMEN'1" OF COMMERCE PATENT @FHCE CERTIFICAT F CRREGE Patent Noa 2 822191 March. 4, 1958 James W, Batchelder It is herby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring "correction and that the said Let oers Patent should read as corrected below,

Column 6, line 35, for "bluk" read bulk: column. 12, line 69, for "am for" read and for column 14, line 38, for "aid Wheel" read said wheel Signed and sealed this 6th day of May 1958.,

(SEAL) Attest:

KARL AXLINE ROBERT c. WATSON Attesting Officer Comnissioner of Patents 

